Thimphu Knights managed to hold on to their nerves to win by two wickets against the Paro Bluemoon in a thrilling finish to the second match of the Bhutan T20 Smash 2022. After winning the toss Paro Bluemoon captain choose to bat first. Knight’s speedster Dawa gave the perfect start bowling Ngawang Tshering for a duck. Dawa went on to get his second wicket of Sonam Tobgay who was caught behind by wicket-keeper Sanjog. The third wicket pair of Sanjit Biswa and Tulsi Biswa showed some resistance adding 35 runs partnership before Tulsi was caught by Suprit Pradhan off Chirag Sharma’s bowl. Sanjit made an important 26 runs as Paro set up 125 runs target. Paro Bluemoon started off brilliantly getting Knights opener Pasa Wangdi leg before wicket (LBW) from the second ball of the first over. Captain Suprit joined Pasa back in the pavilion after getting bowled out by Pema Wangchuk at a total score of 25. Thimphu Knight kept losing wickets on a regular basis as they saw themselves struggling at 83 for the loss of 7 wickets before Suman Pradhan (25 runs not out) and Kinley Penjor (19 runs) added some crucial runs (30 runs partnership) to close the gap before losing Kinley to Hritesh Barman. Thimphu Knights Barun Wakhley feast pumped the air as he managed to flick the ball towards the leg side boundary to give Knights the winning run. Knights Tandin Wangchuk was adjourned the Man of the Match. Wandue Radaps will take on team Dantak in the third match of the tournament tomorrow while Thimphu Knights will play their second match against the defending champions SKD All Stars in the following afternoon match.
Druk Gladiators stun True Warriors in the opener
In the opening match of Bhutan T20 Smash 2022, Druk Gladiators beat True Warriors by 69 runs at Jigmethang ground, Thimphu. True Warriors elected to field first after winning the toss. Druk Gladiators quick Thukten Yoezer gave the early break-through bowling out Vijay Sagar just the third ball into the first over. Thukten continued to trouble the opponent as he went on to claim his second wicket in the form of Aryan Verma caught by Tandin Needup at point. Saha Alom and Ashwani Tiwari fought back with 59 runs partnership for the third wicket before Saha Alom was caught by Yueyong Phuntsho in Soenam Jamtsho’s bowling. Soenam went on to get his second wicket and bowl out Ashwani Tiwari in the same over. However, the Gladiators captain Deepak Verma and Sajibul had better plans as both went on to punish the True Warriors bowlers for the drop catches and fielding errors and went on to add 105 runs for the fourth wicket. Sajibul Mai fired a blistering 50 of 26 balls (6X6s) before falling short of the crease for a run-out. Captain Deepak contributed important 35 runs before getting bowled out by Yueyong Phuntsho. True Warriors speedster Thukten came back to bowl his final over and picked up his third wicket but it was Druk Gladiators who pocketed massive 221 runs in their 20 overs. True Warriors started poorly losing both their openers, Kinga Loday and Soenam Jamtsho and their main batsman Tarun at a total score of 37. Kezang Nima and Sanjay Pradhan tried to steer the sinking ship as they went on to add 59 runs stand for the fourth wicket before Sajibul was bowled out by Sanjay. It was all over when Kezang Nima (78 off 46 balls) was bowled by Noor Alan.
Malaysia! Here We Come
The U-19 national women’s team will leave for Malaysia tomorrow to take part in the U19 World Cup Qualifiers Asia. Apart from Bhutan the tournament will feature Thailand, Hong Kong, Nepal, Qatar and host Malaysia. The team will be lead by Ngawang Choden. The President of Bhutan Cricket, Thinley Wangchuk Dorji met the players today and conveyed his best wishes and some words of wisdom.
Bhutan Cricket 11th Annual General Meeting
The 11th annual general meeting (AGM) of Bhutan Cricket was held at Zhingkham Resort, Punakha on 28th May, 2022.The CEO, Board member representative Mr. Tshering Tashi, district coaches, district coordinators and other employees of the head office made the attendance. In the opening statement, CEO Damber Gurung began by congratulating the rest of the employees for their hard work and for the progress cricket has been making over the years.Various issues pertaining to the development of cricket in the country was thrashed out in the meeting.
Collaboration between Bhutan Cricket and Bhutan Shooting Federation
Bhutan Cricket and Bhutan Shooting Federation (BSF) signed a ‘one of a kind’ memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) conference hall, Thimphu today. The MoU signing is being endorsed by the BOC. The MoU will allow the two sports federations to work together whereby complimenting each other in creating platform for both federations to grow together. The signing was initiated in the presence of the Secretary General of BOC, Sonam Karma Tshering, President of Bhutan Cricket Thinley Wangchuk Dorji, President of BSF, Colonel Jambay and representatives from respective federations. The main motive behind the MoU is to collaborate and jointly develop the Centre of Excellence at Rama land, Thimphu for the development of both the sports. Speaking during the event, Colonel Jambay Dorji said that the signing of the particular MoU will help both the sports federations in many ways. “It will benefit both the sports and in other ways help youth engagement and thereby in producing productive citizens.” According to the President of Bhutan Cricket the signing of the MoU marks as one of the most important one as it is also first of a kind collaboration between two sport bodies. He said, “Huge part of this fruitful event goes to the support bestowed from the President of BOC, HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck.” Thinley Wangchuk Dorji assured support of all kind for the success of the project. “This is a well-thought project and exciting times are ahead of us and with continued support from BOC, we will set this project as an example and showcase great partnership,” he added. “This is great initiative and collaboration between the two sports body,” said SG of BOC, Sonam Karma Tshering. He said that such collaboration is what BOC wants to see and support. “Such collaboration will only set good trend and example of working together.” “It will benefit both federations and projects like this are a win-win situation for everyone involved.”
Impressive all the way
It has been nothing short than a superb display of cricket by the 27-year old Bhutanese cricketer Anju Gurung at the inaugural FairBreak Global Invitational tournament which just ended in Dubai. Bhutan senior women’s vice-captain Anju Gurung was the only player selected from Bhutan for the tournament and she left quite an impression throughout the two-week long tournament even so by making it to the team of the tournament. Anju Gurung was picked by the management of team Falcons and straight away made it to the playing 11 thereafter featured in all the matches of the tournament. Anju’s impressive run in the tournament ended with a overall economy of 7.16 from 7 matches had best figure of 2 for 26. The Australian coach of the Falcons, Joanne Broadbent was also left with full admiration for the Bhutanese left arm pacer. Speaking to the tournament press Joanne Broadbent said, “Anju has been bowling so well for us through the tournament.” Captain Suzie Bates also didn’t shy away from showering praises for the Bhutanese speedster at the post-match presentation after the finals. “To see Anju bowl the way she did the whole tournament and to play against some of the big names in world cricket and getting that confidence up was one of the highlights of the tournament’s impressive” The President of Bhutan Cricket, Thinley Wangchuk Dorji was all praise for Bhutan’s latest cricket sensation. President Thinley Wangchuk Dorji went on to thank the FairBreak Global for giving Anju Gurung the golden opportunity to participate in the historic maiden tournament. Speaking to the in-house media, he said, “This tournament presented Anju a massive platform to play cricket with the very best in the world. It was certainly a revelation for Anju playing, training and learning amongst the cricketing greats. Anju’s performance in the tournament was nothing short of outstanding.” “This exposure to international cricket at the highest level will no doubt have a huge impact on her both as cricketer and as a person moving forward. It may also present a window of opportunity for other Bhutanese cricketers in the future,” he added. “The tournament viewed by millions internationally through 11 broadcasters also catapulted Bhutan and Bhutan Cricket (an associate member country) onto the cricketing world. Bhutan Cricket would like to thank Anju Gurung for being an excellent ambassador for Bhutan with her stellar performances both on and off the field.” Anju Gurung continued to perform in every match in the tournament, however, her top contribution came during the semi-finals against team Spirits when she took two crucial opening wickets that of Scottish international Sarah Bryce and Thailand’s Natthankan Chantham and giving away only 26 runs from her 4 overs which proved to be the match winning moment. Anju Gurung’s other top performances came in the 12th match of the tournament when Falcons played the Sapphires. Bowling against the likes of Sapphires international top batswoman like Elyse Villani, Grace Harris and Babette de Leede. Anju got the best of all giving away only 15 runs from 4 overs. During the 14th match of the tournament against the tournament winner team Tornadoes. The Falcons fell short losing by seven wickets, however, Anju ended wicket-less but giving away only 22 runs from her 4 overs. Anju Gurung presented a souvenir to captain Suzie Bates One of the best experiences according to Anju was to bowl against Spirits and world’s number five batswoman also the number world number one all-rounder Sophie Devine from New Zealand. Anju said, “I knew how big of a player Sophie is and to bowl against her and to keep her away from scoring runs of my ball in itself was a big thing for me.” “I will treasure the moment of sharing the same dressing room as Suzie Bates, Danni Wyatt, Marizanne Kapp and ChamariAthapathathu,” she said. “These guys are world class players and I consider myself lucky to be sharing the same dressing room and got to learn a lot from them. The Falcons captain Suzie Bates is currently the world number seven T20 batswoman and Chamari Athapaththu the 8th world best all-rounder. In action against the Warriors Anju Gurung will be back to Bhutan and join her fellow national team mates to prepare themselves for the upcoming ACC women T20 championship which will be held from June 15, 2022 in Malaysia. The CEO of Bhutan Cricket, Damber Gurug also showered his appreciation for the left armer. Damber Gurung said, “Her performances at the FairBreak was exceptional and I am sure that this experience will help her and Bhutan cricket in general in moving ahead.” “Through the course of Anju playing at the tournament our other national players will also understand the standard of game and players at that level, he said. “Our other potential national players will also now look into getting entry and play in FairBreak and other international tournaments hereafter.” The next edition of the FairBreak Invitational tournament will be back to the actual host nation Hong Kong in March next year.
Gearing up for ACC T20 Championship
Gearing up for ACC T20 ChampionshipThe Bhutan senior women cricketers are back in the nets to prepare for the ACC T20 Championship to be held in Malaysia from mid of June, 2022.The selected team list will be released soon. Following is the tournament group table
President visit to GICG
Bhutan Cricket President Thinley Wangchuk Dorji met the coaches and members of the senior men’s team at the GICG. The senior team is currently in Gelephu for a month training.
Bhutan Cricket 10th Board Meeting
The 10th Board Meeting of Bhutan Cricket was held in Gelephu on May 7, 2022. Chaired by the President Thinley Wangchuk Dorji the meeting was attended by the Board Members, Chief Executive officer Damber Gurung and Head Office staffs. The 10th Board Meeting highlighted discussions on various developmental activities for the remainder months of the year and other financial status of 2022.The Development Officer of Bhutan Cricket, Ugyen Dorji presented the whole development report for the calendar year and on various international tournaments. The Board Members were also presented about the current site development works and other upcoming ground development work by the Bhutan Olympic Committee Engineer. Key performance indicator (KPI) was one of the other topics discussed having applied the system for all the employees of Bhutan Cricket from 2022. After the meeting, the President and other members visited the Gelephu International cricket ground (GICG) and also met the senior men’s players who are currently training at GIC ground.
Match Review – Falcons win the opening
Match Review Falcons wins the opening Bhutanese women cricket sensation Anju Gurung featured in the playing 11 of the opening match of the FairBreak Invititional tournament 2022 currently taking place in Dubai. Playing for team Falcons, the 28-year old left arm opened the bowling pair with Bangladesh pacer Jahanara Alam. Both the opening bowlers failed to get the break through as the Warriors opening pair of Hayley Mathews and Gerogia Redmayne went on to score 90 runs of just 54 balls for the opening partnership before Mariko Hill got the better of Hayley Mathews who scored 58 runs of just 34 balls which included seven 4s and two 6s. Thailand women cricket star Sornnarin Tippoch was the pick of the bowlers for team Falcons as she picked up the pricey wicket of Warrior’s captain Sindhu Sriharsha (16 runs). Warrior’s opener Gerogia went on to score an unbeaten 80 of 61 balls. Warriors put on 177 for Falcons to chase down. Team Falcons opening pair of captain Suzie Bates and Chamari Athapaththu gave a dream start as they both went on to score half centuries. Warriors off spinner Esha Oza broke the opening partnership of 133 runs of just 84 balls picking up Suzie Bates (60 runs) before Chamari scored an unbeaten century (107 of 55 balls) to give team Falcons their first win who was later declared the player of the match. Today, in the second match of the tournament team Tornadoes will take on team Sapphires while team Barmy Army will play team Spirit. The Falcons will play their second match against team Barmy Army tomorrow in the first match. One can watch all the live matches on channel EUROSPORT on any local cable networks.